The ultrasound scan you can do yourself US company Butterfly Networks has produced an ultrasound scanner that plugs into an iPhone and can be bought by anyone for $2,000 (£1,555).
Its inventor, Jonathan Rothberg, claims it will have as much impact on healthcare as the stethoscope did 200 years ago. BBC News
Wednesday, 16 January 2019
Air pollution, obesity and vaccine hesitancy climb WHO list of global health threats
Air pollution, obesity and vaccine hesitancy climb WHO list of global health threats Air pollution, obesity and vaccine hesitancy are three of the global health threats the World Health Organization has pledged to make a priority in 2019.
In a belated set of new year resolutions WHO has listed the 10 greatest health threats the world faces and sets out how it will tackle them over the next 12 months. The Telegraph
In a belated set of new year resolutions WHO has listed the 10 greatest health threats the world faces and sets out how it will tackle them over the next 12 months. The Telegraph
Junior doctors repeatedly working past shift end, NHS data shows
Junior doctors repeatedly working past shift end, NHS data shows Tens of thousands of junior doctors are working past the end of their shifts because hospitals are so understaffed, NHS figures show.
Almost 36,000 trainee doctors in England have worked beyond their contracted hours more than 63,000 times since 2015.
The figures, obtained by the Health Service Journal website, show nearly 36,000 junior doctors have filed an “exception report” since 2015. Trainee medics were given the right to do this after their longrunning contract dispute with the government in 2014-16. The Guardian
Almost 36,000 trainee doctors in England have worked beyond their contracted hours more than 63,000 times since 2015.
The figures, obtained by the Health Service Journal website, show nearly 36,000 junior doctors have filed an “exception report” since 2015. Trainee medics were given the right to do this after their longrunning contract dispute with the government in 2014-16. The Guardian
Tuesday, 15 January 2019
Brain-damaged Northampton Hospital patient can be allowed to die
Brain-damaged Northampton Hospital patient can be allowed to die A brain-damaged woman is to be allowed to die despite sometimes still smiling at hospital staff, a judge has ruled.
The patient, in her 50s, was injured in 2008 and has received life-support treatment at Northampton General Hospital for a decade. Her family and treating doctors all thought that the woman, who also has a number of physical difficulties, should be allowed to die. The judge said she was satisfied with the evidence provided by doctors. She approved a plan to implement a palliative care regime.
The case was considered at the Court of Protection in London, which rules on behalf of people who do not have the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. BBC News - Northamptonshire
The patient, in her 50s, was injured in 2008 and has received life-support treatment at Northampton General Hospital for a decade. Her family and treating doctors all thought that the woman, who also has a number of physical difficulties, should be allowed to die. The judge said she was satisfied with the evidence provided by doctors. She approved a plan to implement a palliative care regime.
The case was considered at the Court of Protection in London, which rules on behalf of people who do not have the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. BBC News - Northamptonshire
Concerns about transport of children by a Northamptonshire ambulance service
Concerns about transport of children by a Northamptonshire ambulance service Inspectors have raised several concerns about the NHS non-emergency ambulance service that covers Northamptonshire, including infection control and the transport of children.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) visit was carried out in November at the premises of Thames Ambulance Service Ltd, which transports Northamptonshire patients for free to NHS appointments.
Although an inspection report has still not been published, a paper written for NHS Nene board members has revealed a long list of worries. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) visit was carried out in November at the premises of Thames Ambulance Service Ltd, which transports Northamptonshire patients for free to NHS appointments.
Although an inspection report has still not been published, a paper written for NHS Nene board members has revealed a long list of worries. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Fertility clinics selling £3,500 IVF 'add-ons' including glue that 'helps embryos stick to womb'
Fertility clinics selling £3,500 IVF 'add-ons' including glue that 'helps embryos stick to womb' Fertility clinics selling expensive IVF 'add-on' treatments have been warned they must tell couples there is no evidence that they work.
Almost three-quarters of patients desperate to be parents bought at least one add-on in the past two years, a patient survey found.
They cost up to £3,500 a time and include 'glue' or a painful 'scratch' which is claimed to help an embryo stick to the wall of the womb.
But the fertility regulator has concluded there is 'no conclusive evidence' that any of them boost the chances of falling pregnant. Mail Online
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Almost three-quarters of patients desperate to be parents bought at least one add-on in the past two years, a patient survey found.
They cost up to £3,500 a time and include 'glue' or a painful 'scratch' which is claimed to help an embryo stick to the wall of the womb.
But the fertility regulator has concluded there is 'no conclusive evidence' that any of them boost the chances of falling pregnant. Mail Online
See Also:
- Fertility regulator calls for clinics to be more open about treatment add-ons Human Fertilisation and Embyology Authority (HFEA)
New guidance on instant messaging for the NHS
New guidance on instant messaging for the NHS The NHS has published new guidance to help CCGs and others to decide how and when to use instant messaging in acute clinical settings. NHS Networks
Welcome focus on primary care but NHS plan also raises difficult questions
Welcome focus on primary care but NHS plan also raises difficult questions The NHS Long Term Plan includes a promise of £4.5bn of ring-fenced funding for primary care and community services. Among its bolder ambitions are that integrated care systems (ICS) will cover the country within two years and that all GP practices will be members of primary care networks by this April. NHS Networks
Overstretched 'sandwich carers' trying to help parents and children
Overstretched 'sandwich carers' trying to help parents and children An exhausted, overstretched generation of carers, are in need of emotional support themselves, say researchers.
A report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) says more than a quarter of such "sandwich carers" are suffering from depression or stress. "Sandwich carers" look after their elderly parents and their children.
There are 1.3 million people in the UK with such multi-generational caring responsibilities, say researchers, with many feeling ignored and undervalued. BBC News
A report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) says more than a quarter of such "sandwich carers" are suffering from depression or stress. "Sandwich carers" look after their elderly parents and their children.
There are 1.3 million people in the UK with such multi-generational caring responsibilities, say researchers, with many feeling ignored and undervalued. BBC News
What is the right age to lose your virginity?
What is the right age to lose your virginity? Having sex too soon is the biggest regret of young people losing their virginity, a survey of British sexual behaviour suggests. More than a third of women and a quarter of men in their teens and early 20s admitted it had not been "the right time" when they first had sex. People must be 16 or over to legally consent to sex.
The latest National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles poll says many people may not be ready at that age. The Natsal survey, carried out every decade or so, gives a detailed picture of sexual behaviour in the UK.
For this latest work, published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine looked at the responses of nearly 3,000 young people who had completed the survey between 2010 and 2012. BBC News - Health
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The latest National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles poll says many people may not be ready at that age. The Natsal survey, carried out every decade or so, gives a detailed picture of sexual behaviour in the UK.
For this latest work, published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine looked at the responses of nearly 3,000 young people who had completed the survey between 2010 and 2012. BBC News - Health
See Also:
- Did YOU have sex too YOUNG? Study reveals 40% of women and 25% of men claim they did not lose their virginity 'at the right time' Mail Online
- Many in UK lose virginity before they are ready – study The Guardian
- Prevalence and correlates of ‘sexual competence’ at first heterosexual intercourse among young people in Britain BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health
Breast cancer risk test 'game changer'
Breast cancer risk test 'game changer' Experts have developed a potentially "game-changing" test to predict a woman's risk of breast cancer. It combines information on family history and hundreds of genetic markers with other factors, such as weight, to give the most comprehensive assessment possible, says Cancer Research UK.
The test is not yet routinely available on the NHS - some GPs and specialists are trialling it first. It is part of a push to spot cancers earlier through tailored screening. BBC News - Health
The test is not yet routinely available on the NHS - some GPs and specialists are trialling it first. It is part of a push to spot cancers earlier through tailored screening. BBC News - Health
Monday, 14 January 2019
Investigation by Northamptonshire health care provider after three unexpected deaths
Investigation by Northamptonshire health care provider after three unexpected deaths A Northamptonshire mental health care provider has launched serious incident investigations into three unexpected deaths.
Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is looking into the care given to three people who had been using its services before they died.
The deaths happened in July, August and September last year and were reported in the trust’s learning from deaths report published in November. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is looking into the care given to three people who had been using its services before they died.
The deaths happened in July, August and September last year and were reported in the trust’s learning from deaths report published in November. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Improving workforce disability equality in the NHS
Improving workforce disability equality in the NHS 2019 will be a key year for workforce disability within the NHS due to the introduction of the Workforce Disability Equality Standard, find out what is happening. NHS Employers
Government promises 'bold new goal' to tackle dirty air
Government promises 'bold new goal' to tackle dirty air Wood burning stoves, open fires and farms all face new restrictions as the government sets out what it calls a "world leading" plan to tackle air pollution.
In their Clean Air Strategy, published today, the government promises to set a "bold new goal" to reduce particulates across much of the country by 2030.
But green groups say the scheme is vague and severely lacking in detail.
They believe the plan proposes nothing new to tackle roadside dirty air. BBC News
In their Clean Air Strategy, published today, the government promises to set a "bold new goal" to reduce particulates across much of the country by 2030.
But green groups say the scheme is vague and severely lacking in detail.
They believe the plan proposes nothing new to tackle roadside dirty air. BBC News
Intersex surgeries: Is it right to assign sex to a baby?
Intersex surgeries: Is it right to assign sex to a baby? The UN says as many as 1.7% of the world have intersex traits - that's the same as the number of people with red hair. All over the world, children with intersex traits are being operated on to be sex assigned at birth - sometimes with devastating consequences. BBC News
Private mental health group faces multimillion fine after death of NHS-funded girl in its care
Private mental health group faces multimillion fine after death of NHS-funded girl in its care A private mental health group is facing a multimillion-pound fine for breaching health and safety laws after a 14-year old with a history of suicide attempts died in its care.
Amy El-Keria was treated at the Priory Group’s Ticehurst House psychiatric hospital in East Sussex and was deemed high-risk, but three months after she was admitted she died in the trust’s care, Brighton Magistrates’ Court heard.
The private mental health group indicated a guilty plea at the hearing after being charged under health and safety laws after a criminal investigation was launched by the Health and Safety Executive into the death. National Health Executive
Amy El-Keria was treated at the Priory Group’s Ticehurst House psychiatric hospital in East Sussex and was deemed high-risk, but three months after she was admitted she died in the trust’s care, Brighton Magistrates’ Court heard.
The private mental health group indicated a guilty plea at the hearing after being charged under health and safety laws after a criminal investigation was launched by the Health and Safety Executive into the death. National Health Executive
Artificial intelligence used to detect women with deadliest ovarian cancer
Artificial intelligence used to detect women with deadliest ovarian cancer The deadliest forms of ovarian cancer have been detected using AI, offering hope for more precise life-saving treatments.
Scientists have created a tool that seeks out clusters of tumour cells with unusually shaped nuclei – the control centres at the heart of each cell.
More than 7,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK, and it has one of the worst survival rates of all cancers. The Independent
Scientists have created a tool that seeks out clusters of tumour cells with unusually shaped nuclei – the control centres at the heart of each cell.
More than 7,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK, and it has one of the worst survival rates of all cancers. The Independent
NHS long-term plan: patients and staff hold the keys to better care
NHS long-term plan: patients and staff hold the keys to better care | Richard Vize Scientific breakthroughs are vital, but new blueprint will fail unless people get more power and responsibility
The newly-unveiled NHS long-term plan reveals an extraordinary breadth of ambition for improving healthcare over the coming decade. While it includes exciting developments in cutting-edge technology, such as gene therapy and artificial intelligence, the greatest improvements in care and outcomes will come not from scientific breakthroughs but from people: by harnessing the power and talents of patients and NHS staff. The Guardian
The newly-unveiled NHS long-term plan reveals an extraordinary breadth of ambition for improving healthcare over the coming decade. While it includes exciting developments in cutting-edge technology, such as gene therapy and artificial intelligence, the greatest improvements in care and outcomes will come not from scientific breakthroughs but from people: by harnessing the power and talents of patients and NHS staff. The Guardian
NHS staff being advised to ignore parents' wishes if children self-declare as different gender, guidance shows
NHS staff being advised to ignore parents' wishes if children self-declare as different gender, guidance shows NHS staff are being advised to ignore parents’ wishes if they conflict with those of a child who identifies as transgender - even if the child is not considered to have the understanding and intelligence to consent.
A Telegraph investigation has found that one NHS trust is even willing to allow adolescents to share sleeping space with members of the opposite sex upon admission to single sex wards.
It comes after the Telegraph revealed hospitals are routinely allowing male patients to share women’s wards if they self-identify as transgender, despite the government's commitment to eliminating mixed-sex wards. The Daily Telegraph
A Telegraph investigation has found that one NHS trust is even willing to allow adolescents to share sleeping space with members of the opposite sex upon admission to single sex wards.
It comes after the Telegraph revealed hospitals are routinely allowing male patients to share women’s wards if they self-identify as transgender, despite the government's commitment to eliminating mixed-sex wards. The Daily Telegraph
GPs could get more generous pensions to stop so many leaving the NHS
GPs could get more generous pensions to stop so many leaving the NHS Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock admitted the British Government has failed to fulfil his predecessor's promise to recruit an extra 5,000 NHS GPs between 2015 and 2020. The Daily Mail
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Friday, 11 January 2019
Missed appointments cost Northampton General Hospital almost £4 million
Missed appointments cost Northampton General Hospital almost £4 million Northampton General Hospital trust has lost almost £4 million in a year due to thousands of patients not turning up to appointments, figures show.
Data from NHS England shows that in the 12 months to September 2018, 34,584 people either did not show up for an outpatient appointment at the trust, or arrived too late to be seen.
With the NHS struggling for funds amid budget cuts and increased demand, the British Medical Association said it was crucial appointments are not wasted while the health service is “under incredible stress”. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Data from NHS England shows that in the 12 months to September 2018, 34,584 people either did not show up for an outpatient appointment at the trust, or arrived too late to be seen.
With the NHS struggling for funds amid budget cuts and increased demand, the British Medical Association said it was crucial appointments are not wasted while the health service is “under incredible stress”. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Combined NHS Performance Summary: November – December 2018
Combined NHS Performance Summary: November – December 2018 Today, NHS England published its Combined Performance Summary, which provides data on key performance measures for November and December of last year. SitRep data for the first week of 2019 was also released, giving a more up-to-date analysis of how the NHS is coping this winter.
Here we show some of these statistics and how they compare with previous years. Nuffield Trust
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Here we show some of these statistics and how they compare with previous years. Nuffield Trust
See also:
- NHS coping under pressure so far this winter The Health Foundation
Mental health: poor NHS provision is failing young people
Mental health: poor NHS provision is failing young people In 2017-18 only three in ten children and young people with a mental health condition received NHS-funded treatment, and many more faced unacceptably long waits for treatment.
The government has committed to providing ‘parity of esteem’ between mental and physical health services, but it is still unclear what it means by this in practice.
It also has no comprehensive, long-term plan for how it will fulfil its commitment to implement Future in Mind, which set out a cross-sector vision for how to support children and young people’s mental health. House of Commons Public Accounts Committee
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The government has committed to providing ‘parity of esteem’ between mental and physical health services, but it is still unclear what it means by this in practice.
It also has no comprehensive, long-term plan for how it will fulfil its commitment to implement Future in Mind, which set out a cross-sector vision for how to support children and young people’s mental health. House of Commons Public Accounts Committee
See also:
- Too many children 'not being treated for mental health problems' BBC News
- Young people 'turned away' from NHS mental health support left to hit crisis point, MPs warn The Independent
- Poor provision on mental health is failing young people OnMedica
- NHS 'failing' pupils on mental health, say MPs TES News
Skill and dedication of NHS staff praised as health service productivity outstrips the rest of the economy
Skill and dedication of NHS staff praised as health service productivity outstrips the rest of the economy Hardworking NHS staff boosted productivity by 3% in a single year, dramatically outstripping productivity growth in the rest of the economy new figures have revealed today.
Data released today by the Office for National Statistics shows that NHS productivity for the financial year ending 2017 grew by 3% in England, more than treble the 0.8% achieved across wider the UK economy in 2016/17.
Health service productivity in England also outpaced that achieved in health services elsewhere in the UK, with a combined UK health service figure of 2.5% in 2016. NHS England
Data released today by the Office for National Statistics shows that NHS productivity for the financial year ending 2017 grew by 3% in England, more than treble the 0.8% achieved across wider the UK economy in 2016/17.
Health service productivity in England also outpaced that achieved in health services elsewhere in the UK, with a combined UK health service figure of 2.5% in 2016. NHS England
Unmet needs: improper social care assessments for older people in England
Unmet needs: improper social care assessments for older people in England The authors of this report spoke with older people and their relatives in twelve cities and towns across England. Some said that assessors appeared not to understand their disabilities and support needs. In other cases, before beginning an assessment, assessors announced that services would be cut regardless of an individual’s actual need. And in some cases services were denied or cut significantly, affecting older people’s health and wellbeing. The report concludes that older people in England are at risk of not getting adequate assistance to live independent, dignified lives due to uneven assessments for social services. Human Rights Watch
Are Andrew Lansley's NHS reforms being binned?
Are Andrew Lansley's NHS reforms being binned? Consider this, it is just over three years since the last piece of the jigsaw in Andrew Lansley's controversial NHS reforms was put into place.
In 2015, health visitors moved into local government to complete the transfer of public health from the NHS to councils.
It completed what former NHS chief executive Sir David Nicholson once described as a reform programme so big it could be seen from space. BBC News
In 2015, health visitors moved into local government to complete the transfer of public health from the NHS to councils.
It completed what former NHS chief executive Sir David Nicholson once described as a reform programme so big it could be seen from space. BBC News
PrEP: Postcode lottery of anti-HIV drug trial
PrEP: Postcode lottery of anti-HIV drug trial A game-changer in the fight against HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective drug that reduces the risk of acquiring the condition. But as the NHS trials PrEP across England, many at high risk have struggled to get hold of the drug.
The Impact trial was launched in England in October 2017 with an initial 10,000 places at sexual health clinics for people at high risk of contracting HIV.
But there has been great demand for the drug, with sexual health charities inundated with stories of people being turned away due to a lack of places.
Responding to a request for comment for this article, NHS England said it was planning to fund 13,000 more places on the trial. BBC News
The Impact trial was launched in England in October 2017 with an initial 10,000 places at sexual health clinics for people at high risk of contracting HIV.
But there has been great demand for the drug, with sexual health charities inundated with stories of people being turned away due to a lack of places.
Responding to a request for comment for this article, NHS England said it was planning to fund 13,000 more places on the trial. BBC News
Mental health patients missing GP appointments 'at risk'
Mental health patients missing GP appointments 'at risk' Mental health patients who miss two or more GP appointments within the space of a year are eight times more likely to die in the subsequent 18 months than those who miss none, a study suggests.
The University of Glasgow study looked at 274,547 patients with long-term mental health conditions, at surgeries across Scotland between 2013 and 2016. BBC News
The University of Glasgow study looked at 274,547 patients with long-term mental health conditions, at surgeries across Scotland between 2013 and 2016. BBC News
Thousands of NHS hospital consultants intend to quit years before retirement, survey finds
Thousands of NHS hospital consultants intend to quit years before retirement, survey finds Thousands of senior hospital doctors are planning to leave the NHS years early, according to a survey.
Six out of 10 consultants intend to retire before or at the age of 60 to cut back their working hours, the research found.
The British Medical Association, which questioned more than 4,000 consultants for the survey, said so many experienced doctors leaving would be “potentially disastrous”.
More than two-thirds (69.7 per cent) of those surveyed were hoping to achieve a better work-life balance. The Independent
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Six out of 10 consultants intend to retire before or at the age of 60 to cut back their working hours, the research found.
The British Medical Association, which questioned more than 4,000 consultants for the survey, said so many experienced doctors leaving would be “potentially disastrous”.
More than two-thirds (69.7 per cent) of those surveyed were hoping to achieve a better work-life balance. The Independent
See also:
- Pension rules force consultants to retire early British Medical Association
- BMA findings on hospital consultants leaving NHS early are ‘highly concerning,’ NHS Employers
Waiting times for NHS cancer treatment are at worst ever level
Waiting times for NHS cancer treatment are at worst ever level Record 20,000 patients a month are suffering delays in seeing a consultant or starting therapies
Record numbers of patients are not getting vital cancer care on time because NHS England performance against waiting time targets has fallen to its lowest ever level, according to official figures.
Hospitals are increasingly having to force patients to wait for care because they cannot keep up with the growing numbers being referred by GPs who fear they have the disease. The Guardian
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Record numbers of patients are not getting vital cancer care on time because NHS England performance against waiting time targets has fallen to its lowest ever level, according to official figures.
Hospitals are increasingly having to force patients to wait for care because they cannot keep up with the growing numbers being referred by GPs who fear they have the disease. The Guardian
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Health department signs two contracts to store drugs under ‘no-deal’ Brexit
Health department signs two contracts to store drugs under ‘no-deal’ Brexit Officials hope third contract for warehousing will be signed shortly, with total cost of £10m
The government has signed two contracts to secure warehouse space for the storage of drugs as part of ‘no-deal’ Brexit planning but officials are still working to secure a third with just 11 weeks to go before the UK leaves the EU.
Details of the Department of Health’s work on one of the most sensitive areas of Brexit planning emerged as the government comes under intensive pressure to say which firms it is working with following controversy over a £13.8m contract given to a ‘start-up’ freight company to operate ferries in the case of no deal, and questions about the way it was allocated. The Guardian
The government has signed two contracts to secure warehouse space for the storage of drugs as part of ‘no-deal’ Brexit planning but officials are still working to secure a third with just 11 weeks to go before the UK leaves the EU.
Details of the Department of Health’s work on one of the most sensitive areas of Brexit planning emerged as the government comes under intensive pressure to say which firms it is working with following controversy over a £13.8m contract given to a ‘start-up’ freight company to operate ferries in the case of no deal, and questions about the way it was allocated. The Guardian
Social care is ageist – and the new NHS plan doesn’t even try to fix it
Social care is ageist – and the new NHS plan doesn’t even try to fix it | Frances Ryan The 10-year plan must address the damaging generational divide, foster fair funding and devise a way to share the burden
“We are taking a big step to secure the future of the NHS for our children and their children,” Theresa May told an audience in Liverpool on Monday as she launched the NHS 10-year plan. May’s emphasis on generations of NHS users may be cliched political rhetoric – the children, as they say, are our future – but by pitching public services as a deal between the generations, she quite unintentionally landed on something important.
This country’s health and care system is currently riddled with a damaging generational divide, one that manifests itself in anything from a deficit in joined up services to outright bad feeling. The Guardian
“We are taking a big step to secure the future of the NHS for our children and their children,” Theresa May told an audience in Liverpool on Monday as she launched the NHS 10-year plan. May’s emphasis on generations of NHS users may be cliched political rhetoric – the children, as they say, are our future – but by pitching public services as a deal between the generations, she quite unintentionally landed on something important.
This country’s health and care system is currently riddled with a damaging generational divide, one that manifests itself in anything from a deficit in joined up services to outright bad feeling. The Guardian
NHS trans row as men get access to women's wards if they identify as female
NHS trans row as men get access to women's wards if they identify as female Hospitals routinely allow male patients to share female wards if they self-identify as women, an investigation by The Telegraph has found.
Despite official guidance intended to eliminate mixed sex wards, none of the NHS trusts in England require a patient to have begun transition for them to be treated as their preferred sex, according to responses to more than 100 Freedom of Information requests. The Daily Telegraph
Despite official guidance intended to eliminate mixed sex wards, none of the NHS trusts in England require a patient to have begun transition for them to be treated as their preferred sex, according to responses to more than 100 Freedom of Information requests. The Daily Telegraph
NHS crisis: 12,000 patients were left waiting in the back of ambulances outside A&E last week
NHS crisis: 12,000 patients were left waiting in the back of ambulances outside A&E last week Thousands of NHS patients were kept waiting in the backs of ambulances for half an hour or more last week, official figures have revealed.
Hospitals across England are buckling under the strain of winter, as data shows the the first week of January was the worst so far this season.
The number of patients waiting at least 30 minutes to be handed over into A&E from ambulances was 26 per cent higher than in the previous week.
Nearly 3,000 patients were forced to wait an hour or more to be taken into busy casualty units, with more than 9,000 waiting between 30 to 60 minutes. The Daily Mail
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Hospitals across England are buckling under the strain of winter, as data shows the the first week of January was the worst so far this season.
The number of patients waiting at least 30 minutes to be handed over into A&E from ambulances was 26 per cent higher than in the previous week.
Nearly 3,000 patients were forced to wait an hour or more to be taken into busy casualty units, with more than 9,000 waiting between 30 to 60 minutes. The Daily Mail
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Shocking new pictures from HES site in Newcastle lay bare scale of NHS body parts scandal
Shocking new pictures from HES site in Newcastle lay bare scale of NHS body parts scandal Shocking new images showing mountains of clinical waste stockpiled in a disposal site reveal the true scale of the NHS body parts scandal.
Tonnes of fluorescent orange and yellow bags stuffed with infectious waste were pictured spilling out of overflowing bins at Healthcare Environmental Services' (HES) base in Benton, North Tyneside. The Daily Mail
Tonnes of fluorescent orange and yellow bags stuffed with infectious waste were pictured spilling out of overflowing bins at Healthcare Environmental Services' (HES) base in Benton, North Tyneside. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 10 January 2019
Abandoned Northampton office block to become flats for nurses, police and teachers
Abandoned Northampton office block to become flats for nurses, police and teachers An office block that has stood empty for years in Northampton town centre is to become flats in a partnership between the borough council and Legal & General.
Belgrave House, in Greyfriars, is owned by the company behind the Grosvenor Centre, Legal and General, which has struggled to generate interest from tenants or buyers.
Now, in order to create affordable town centre housing for key workers - such as people working in the emergency services, health or education - Northampton Borough Council intends to convert the building into 120 flats. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Belgrave House, in Greyfriars, is owned by the company behind the Grosvenor Centre, Legal and General, which has struggled to generate interest from tenants or buyers.
Now, in order to create affordable town centre housing for key workers - such as people working in the emergency services, health or education - Northampton Borough Council intends to convert the building into 120 flats. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Insight report: High intensity users of A&E departments
Insight report: High intensity users of A&E departments Dr Foster has carried out a detailed analysis of accident and emergency (A&E) attendances nationally with the aim of uncovering common characteristics of high intensity users (HIUs) - people who attended 10 or more times in a 12-month period - and patterns in HIU attendances to provide valuable insight and a better understanding of the reasons they attend with such high frequency.
See also:
See also:
- Ten NHS patients visited A&Es more than 200 TIMES in the last year The Daily Mail
- Patient who went to A&E 400 times in one year among 'frequent flyer' list The Daily Telegraph
Two cases of resistant gonorrhoea diagnosed in the UK
Two cases of resistant gonorrhoea diagnosed in the UK Public Health England is reminding people of the importance of practising safer sex and seeking help if they are worried they may have an STI.
Public Health England (PHE) is investigating 2 cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in heterosexual females with similar resistance patterns to the antibiotics (ceftriaxone and azithromycin) that are used as the first line treatment for gonorrhoea. While this type of resistance is unusual, there have been cases in other countries. Both cases were successfully treated and we are following up sexual contacts to minimise the risk of any onward transmission.
One of these cases appears to have been acquired in Europe and the other has links to Europe but was acquired in the UK.
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Public Health England (PHE) is investigating 2 cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in heterosexual females with similar resistance patterns to the antibiotics (ceftriaxone and azithromycin) that are used as the first line treatment for gonorrhoea. While this type of resistance is unusual, there have been cases in other countries. Both cases were successfully treated and we are following up sexual contacts to minimise the risk of any onward transmission.
One of these cases appears to have been acquired in Europe and the other has links to Europe but was acquired in the UK.
See also:
- Super-gonorrhoea spread causes 'deep concern' BBC News
- Safe sex warning after two women infected with super-gonorrhoea The Independent
Local auditor reporting in England 2018
Local auditor reporting in England 2018 The number of NHS and local government bodies with significant weaknesses in their arrangements for delivering value for money for taxpayers is unacceptably high and increasing, according to today’s report by the National Audit Office (NAO).
In 2017-18, 495 local authorities, local police and local fire bodies were responsible for around £54 billion of net revenue spending and 442 local NHS bodies received funding of approximately £100 billion. Each year, local auditors give an opinion on whether these bodies produce financial statements that comply with reporting requirements and if they have arrangements to properly manage their business and finances. Auditors can draw attention to weaknesses by ‘qualifying’ their opinion and issuing a ‘non-standard’ report. Local bodies should take any issues raised seriously and address them appropriately.
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In 2017-18, 495 local authorities, local police and local fire bodies were responsible for around £54 billion of net revenue spending and 442 local NHS bodies received funding of approximately £100 billion. Each year, local auditors give an opinion on whether these bodies produce financial statements that comply with reporting requirements and if they have arrangements to properly manage their business and finances. Auditors can draw attention to weaknesses by ‘qualifying’ their opinion and issuing a ‘non-standard’ report. Local bodies should take any issues raised seriously and address them appropriately.
See also:
- Four in ten NHS organisations do not have a grip on their spending The Daily Telegraph
Cheap common drugs may help mental illness
Cheap common drugs may help mental illness Cheap and widely used drugs for diabetes and heart health have potential for treating severe mental illness, a study hints.
It showed the number of times patients needed hospital treatment fell by up to a fifth when they took the drugs.
The researchers at University College London say their findings have "enormous potential".
But they, and independent experts, say the results now need to be tested in clinical trials. BBC News
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It showed the number of times patients needed hospital treatment fell by up to a fifth when they took the drugs.
The researchers at University College London say their findings have "enormous potential".
But they, and independent experts, say the results now need to be tested in clinical trials. BBC News
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The NHS 10-year plan has cleared a path for total privatisation of our health service
The NHS 10-year plan has cleared a path for total privatisation of our health service The latest strategy for Britain’s National Health Service has made some bold projections and headline-grabbing commitments. The endgame though is a corporate NHS.
The 1990s internal market introduced competition into the NHS. The NHS Plan 2000 ramped up outsourcing and public-private partnerships, and gave us the disastrous legacy of private finance initiatives, or PFI.
The Health and Social Care Act 2012 doubled private sector outsourcing to 8 per cent of the budget. It also enabled foundation trust hospitals to make up to half their income from private patients. There is a thread running through: a narrative of marketisation and privatisation. The Independent
The 1990s internal market introduced competition into the NHS. The NHS Plan 2000 ramped up outsourcing and public-private partnerships, and gave us the disastrous legacy of private finance initiatives, or PFI.
The Health and Social Care Act 2012 doubled private sector outsourcing to 8 per cent of the budget. It also enabled foundation trust hospitals to make up to half their income from private patients. There is a thread running through: a narrative of marketisation and privatisation. The Independent
The Priory faces multi-million pound fine following death of 14-year-old girl with a history of suicide attempts
The Priory faces multi-million pound fine following death of 14-year-old girl with a history of suicide attempts A private mental health care group is facing a fine of millions of pounds for breaching health and safety laws after a 14-year-old girl with a history of suicide attempts died in its care.
A criminal investigation was launched by the Health and Safety Executive into The Priory after the death of Amy El-Keria, who was treated at its Ticehurst House psychiatric hospital in 2012, Brighton Magistrates' Court heard.
The London-based company indicated a guilty plea after being charged under health and safety laws with being an employer failing to discharge its duty to ensure people were not exposed to risk, in what is thought to be the first prosecution of its kind. The Daily Telegraph
A criminal investigation was launched by the Health and Safety Executive into The Priory after the death of Amy El-Keria, who was treated at its Ticehurst House psychiatric hospital in 2012, Brighton Magistrates' Court heard.
The London-based company indicated a guilty plea after being charged under health and safety laws with being an employer failing to discharge its duty to ensure people were not exposed to risk, in what is thought to be the first prosecution of its kind. The Daily Telegraph
Writing complaints against NHS doctors 'could lead them to suicide', leading expert warns
Writing complaints against NHS doctors 'could lead them to suicide', leading expert warns Complaints about NHS doctors could lead them to depression and even trigger suicide, an expert has warned.
Dr Clare Gerada, the medical director of the NHS Practitioner Health Programme (PHP), said the number of complaints against NHS staff is rising.
But they can cause a spiral of events which can harm the doctor's mental health, their colleagues and future patients, she warned. The Daily Mail
Dr Clare Gerada, the medical director of the NHS Practitioner Health Programme (PHP), said the number of complaints against NHS staff is rising.
But they can cause a spiral of events which can harm the doctor's mental health, their colleagues and future patients, she warned. The Daily Mail
'Traditional masculinity' is harmful, top psychologists say in new guidelines
'Traditional masculinity' is harmful, top psychologists say in new guidelines 'Traditional masculinity' is harmful, damaging the men who ascribe to it and everyone around them, according America's top psychologists.
The warning was issued in a 36-page document by the American Psychological Association, its first set of guidelines on male mental health in 127 years.
Experts said the traditional ideology of what makes a man 'a man' constrains men.
It also can drive them to feel or act aggressively towards other groups who are not masculine, fueling misogyny, sexism, sexual assault, bullying and homophobia. The Daily Mail
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The warning was issued in a 36-page document by the American Psychological Association, its first set of guidelines on male mental health in 127 years.
Experts said the traditional ideology of what makes a man 'a man' constrains men.
It also can drive them to feel or act aggressively towards other groups who are not masculine, fueling misogyny, sexism, sexual assault, bullying and homophobia. The Daily Mail
See also:
- APA Guidelines for the Psychological Practicewith Boys and Men American Psychological Association
Wednesday, 9 January 2019
Overspend reduced at county council but concerns persist over remaining £11m savings
Overspend reduced at county council but concerns persist over remaining £11m savings Northamptonshire County Council’s overspend has reduced by £19million in the past five months, but questions remain over the deliverability of some of its remaining £11million savings.
The latest finance monitoring report, which will be discussed by cabinet next Tuesday (January 15), shows that the forecast year-end position is currently an overspend of £11m. It’s down from the £30m overspend forecast in July, when the council issued a second section 114 notice banning new expenditure. And it’s a further improvement on the £15.6million position reported last month. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The latest finance monitoring report, which will be discussed by cabinet next Tuesday (January 15), shows that the forecast year-end position is currently an overspend of £11m. It’s down from the £30m overspend forecast in July, when the council issued a second section 114 notice banning new expenditure. And it’s a further improvement on the £15.6million position reported last month. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
International comparison of women’s health
International comparison of women’s health A briefing from the Commonwealth Fund compares the health status and availability of health care for women in the United States with the situation for women in 10 other high-income countries, including the UK.
GP premises: the patient perspective
GP premises: the patient perspective Poor confidentiality at reception desks, issues with access for disabled people and dated waiting rooms are some of the biggest problems highlighted by patients in a new report published by the Patients Association of people’s views of their local GP surgery’s buildings.
The report has found that patients are concerned about various internal and external aspects of their local GP practice premises. The report outlines patients’ views based on an online survey and four focus groups aiming to establish the importance of the physical environment in shaping people’s experiences of primary care.
Confidentiality emerged as a key issue raised by patients, particularly the risk of being overheard at the reception desk or when telephoning practices. Of the 720 respondents to the survey and focus groups, 58% (404 of 692 respondents to this question) said that there was not enough space at the practice to allow reasonable privacy. The Patients Association
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The report has found that patients are concerned about various internal and external aspects of their local GP practice premises. The report outlines patients’ views based on an online survey and four focus groups aiming to establish the importance of the physical environment in shaping people’s experiences of primary care.
Confidentiality emerged as a key issue raised by patients, particularly the risk of being overheard at the reception desk or when telephoning practices. Of the 720 respondents to the survey and focus groups, 58% (404 of 692 respondents to this question) said that there was not enough space at the practice to allow reasonable privacy. The Patients Association
See also:
- Patients forced to whisper to GPs because walls are too thin The Daily Telegraph
Can a strong economic case be made for investing in the NHS?
Can a strong economic case be made for investing in the NHS? In September 2018, Professor Peter Smith delivered the 25th OHE Annual Lecture: Can a Strong Economic Case Be Made for Investing in the NHS? The lecture is now available as a publication, which can be downloaded for free.
Debate about funding has highlighted the difficulty of persuading sceptics that the NHS is a good use of public finance. There is a widely held view – particularly in finance ministries and some sections of the media – that health systems such as the NHS are ‘black holes’, constantly demanding increased funding without concomitant returns to society. Office of Health Economics
Debate about funding has highlighted the difficulty of persuading sceptics that the NHS is a good use of public finance. There is a widely held view – particularly in finance ministries and some sections of the media – that health systems such as the NHS are ‘black holes’, constantly demanding increased funding without concomitant returns to society. Office of Health Economics
Home Office doubles charge for migrants to use the NHS
Home Office doubles charge for migrants to use the NHS Nurses and people who have been in the UK since childhood are among those who must pay the £400-a-year charge
he Home Office has doubled a charge for migrants to use the NHS, in a move that has been criticised for its impact on NHS workers and young people who have been in the UK since childhood.
The standard Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will today double from £200 to £400 a year, a sum the Home Office says will bring much-needed funds to the National Health Service. Sky News
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he Home Office has doubled a charge for migrants to use the NHS, in a move that has been criticised for its impact on NHS workers and young people who have been in the UK since childhood.
The standard Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will today double from £200 to £400 a year, a sum the Home Office says will bring much-needed funds to the National Health Service. Sky News
See also:
- Campaigners ‘desolate’ after Home Office doubles charge for migrants to use the NHS National Health Executive
Generation Z and Baby Boomers fear for future of the NHS, says survey
Generation Z and Baby Boomers fear for future of the NHS, says survey Concern that Brexit will harm the NHS, a surge in people turning to social media for medical advice, and ignorance regarding the pharmaceutical industry are among the findings of a new report into people's attitudes to health.
The majority (59 per cent) of young patients think Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union will have a negative impact on the NHS, compared to just 28 per cent of older patients, according to the report by health comms agency Pegasus.
It outlines the results of a poll of 500 members of Generation Z, defined as those aged 16-23, and 500 Baby Boomers, those aged 54-72, which was carried out in October 2018.
Both demographic groups are concerned about the long-term outlook for the NHS, with 69 per cent of Generation Zs and 72 per cent of Baby Boomers saying they are worried about its future. PR Week
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The majority (59 per cent) of young patients think Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union will have a negative impact on the NHS, compared to just 28 per cent of older patients, according to the report by health comms agency Pegasus.
It outlines the results of a poll of 500 members of Generation Z, defined as those aged 16-23, and 500 Baby Boomers, those aged 54-72, which was carried out in October 2018.
Both demographic groups are concerned about the long-term outlook for the NHS, with 69 per cent of Generation Zs and 72 per cent of Baby Boomers saying they are worried about its future. PR Week
See also:
- Generation Z: The Future of Health and Wellbeing Behavioural differences between generations (free but requires registration) Pegasus
People at greater risk of death due to embarrassment over cancer symptoms
People at greater risk of death due to embarrassment over cancer symptoms Millions of British people are delaying getting their cancer symptoms checked due to embarrassment, putting them at increased risk of death.
New research suggests a fifth of UK adults – around 6.6 million people – have put off seeking medical advice.
Experts warn that delays in diagnosis can have a major impact on the success of treatment, and urged people to overcome their shame to ensure the best results. The Independent
New research suggests a fifth of UK adults – around 6.6 million people – have put off seeking medical advice.
Experts warn that delays in diagnosis can have a major impact on the success of treatment, and urged people to overcome their shame to ensure the best results. The Independent
Long-term NHS plan: Does the UK health service provide value for money?
Long-term NHS plan: Does the UK health service provide value for money? The government produced a “long-term plan” for the National Health Service on Monday.
This is designed to outline how the £20bn a year funding boost by 2023-24, announced last year, will be spent.
Labour, unions and various health group say the plan is underfunded and will not fill widening staffing gaps.
The Institute of Economic Affairs, on the other hand, complains that the plan does not allow for greater “competition” or “patient choice” and argues that ministers have refused to heed the lessons from superior and more efficient European health insurance systems.
So just how does the NHS compare to other countries’ health systems when it comes to value for money? Should we be learning from abroad? The Independent
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This is designed to outline how the £20bn a year funding boost by 2023-24, announced last year, will be spent.
Labour, unions and various health group say the plan is underfunded and will not fill widening staffing gaps.
The Institute of Economic Affairs, on the other hand, complains that the plan does not allow for greater “competition” or “patient choice” and argues that ministers have refused to heed the lessons from superior and more efficient European health insurance systems.
So just how does the NHS compare to other countries’ health systems when it comes to value for money? Should we be learning from abroad? The Independent
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Injection to halt the progress of Alzheimer’s 'available within decade'
Injection to halt the progress of Alzheimer’s 'available within decade' An injection capable of halting the progress of Alzheimer’s could be available to patients within a decade, Britain’s leading dementia organisation predicts.
The Alzheimer’s Society says a series of recent breakthroughs in treatments that disrupt harmful genes has brought scientists to a “tipping point” in their fight against the disease.
For decades, researchers have sought without success a treatment for Alzheimer’s based on targeting damaging proteins that build up in the brain. The Daily Telegraph
The Alzheimer’s Society says a series of recent breakthroughs in treatments that disrupt harmful genes has brought scientists to a “tipping point” in their fight against the disease.
For decades, researchers have sought without success a treatment for Alzheimer’s based on targeting damaging proteins that build up in the brain. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 8 January 2019
New pilot scheme sees mental health advisors stationed at council's offices
New pilot scheme sees mental health advisors stationed at council's offices Kettering people struggling with their mental health can now receive specialist help at the town’s council offices after a pilot scheme was launched.
Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, which has responsibility for helping people with their mental wellbeing, has launched the project with three mental health workers operating out of the council offices in Bowling Green Road.
The KBC hub has been set up in response to findings that some people were hesitant to access mental health services through traditional channels. The health body says it wants the pilot to ‘normalise conversations’ about mental health. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, which has responsibility for helping people with their mental wellbeing, has launched the project with three mental health workers operating out of the council offices in Bowling Green Road.
The KBC hub has been set up in response to findings that some people were hesitant to access mental health services through traditional channels. The health body says it wants the pilot to ‘normalise conversations’ about mental health. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Sexual assault forensics centres failing some victims
Sexual assault forensics centres failing some victims Young victims of sexual assault are not being forensically examined within a critical time period at some privately-run referral centres, a BBC investigation has found.
Doctors also told the BBC they had seen cases of incorrect recordings of injuries and evidence contamination.
Victims' Commissioner Baroness Newlove said the "failings" were "shocking".
NHS England - which jointly commissions services - said it had not been made aware of the concerns. BBC News
Doctors also told the BBC they had seen cases of incorrect recordings of injuries and evidence contamination.
Victims' Commissioner Baroness Newlove said the "failings" were "shocking".
NHS England - which jointly commissions services - said it had not been made aware of the concerns. BBC News
Praise for 'ambitious' NHS plan but experts warn patients may wait longer as funding decisions bite
Praise for 'ambitious' NHS plan but experts warn patients may wait longer as funding decisions bite After a weekend-long dissection of the NHS long-term plan’s headline ambitions, it was hoped that Monday would fully flesh out what’s in store for the health service as it invests a £20.5bn budget increase over the next decade.
The final document, which runs to 136 densely-typed pages, has commitments for every corner of the NHS and has received near-universal praise for its ambition and detail.
In particular it sets out that a £4.5bn slice of the budget increase will be spent on GP and community care to diagnose diseases early and treat people closer to home. The Independent
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The final document, which runs to 136 densely-typed pages, has commitments for every corner of the NHS and has received near-universal praise for its ambition and detail.
In particular it sets out that a £4.5bn slice of the budget increase will be spent on GP and community care to diagnose diseases early and treat people closer to home. The Independent
See also:
- Health Secretary: NHS 'has got to be better' at working with councils Channel 4 News
- Theresa May claims UK's 'strong public finances' and Brexit will pay for a better NHS The Daily Mail
- Four-hour A&E waiting time target could be scrapped The Daily Mail
- NHS plan: The key points from the new 134-page strategy The Daily Telegraph
- NHS plan: Smartphone consultations to replace hospital appointments in NHS 'digital first' plan The Daily Telegraph
- NHS chief backs call for tougher, faster A&E waiting-time standards The Guardian
- Long-term plan for NHS England 'undeliverable' amid staffing crisis The Guardian
- NHS chiefs tell Theresa May it is time to curb privatisation The Guardian
- NHS 10-year plan relies on raiding other countries for thousands of nurses and doctors The Independent
- The government’s 10-year NHS plan is welcome – but a shift in public opinion is needed if we are to save it The Independent
Joe Harrison: ‘The NHS must stop relying on pen and pape
Joe Harrison: ‘The NHS must stop relying on pen and paper’ The head of Milton Keynes hospital foundation trust says technology can save time, lives and money
Parts of the NHS are still in the dark ages, technologically speaking,” says Professor Joe Harrison, chief executive of Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS foundation trust. “There are still sites across the NHS that don’t even have wifi. In certain parts of the NHS we still believe that paper and pen are the way to capture data,” he adds with barely concealed contempt. Harrison worries that the service’s unhappy history with technology, most infamously exemplified by the failure of the £12bn Connecting for Health initiative, a bold attempt by the then Labour government to modernise NHS IT but plagued by cost overruns and scrapped in 2011, has left it poorly placed to benefit from the digital revolution.
Harrison fervently believes that embracing tech, IT and digital innovation helps patients and staff and improves the quality of care. He appears both baffled and horrified that doctors at outpatient clinics still write notes from the consultation into the patient’s often bulging paper medical record and that hospitals send patients letters to confirm their next appointment. “The vast majority of people who use tech on a daily basis would be happy to communicate and engage with the NHS in a different way.” The Guardian
Parts of the NHS are still in the dark ages, technologically speaking,” says Professor Joe Harrison, chief executive of Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS foundation trust. “There are still sites across the NHS that don’t even have wifi. In certain parts of the NHS we still believe that paper and pen are the way to capture data,” he adds with barely concealed contempt. Harrison worries that the service’s unhappy history with technology, most infamously exemplified by the failure of the £12bn Connecting for Health initiative, a bold attempt by the then Labour government to modernise NHS IT but plagued by cost overruns and scrapped in 2011, has left it poorly placed to benefit from the digital revolution.
Harrison fervently believes that embracing tech, IT and digital innovation helps patients and staff and improves the quality of care. He appears both baffled and horrified that doctors at outpatient clinics still write notes from the consultation into the patient’s often bulging paper medical record and that hospitals send patients letters to confirm their next appointment. “The vast majority of people who use tech on a daily basis would be happy to communicate and engage with the NHS in a different way.” The Guardian
Schoolchildren to be offered sleep lessons after rise in disorders
Schoolchildren to be offered sleep lessons after rise in disorders Move follows concerns about ‘hidden health disaster’ of sleeplessness among young
Schoolchildren across Britain may be offered sleep lessons to help tackle the problem of insomnia among young people.
The lessons became available to teachers at the end of last year and were devised by the PSHE Association and the department for sleep medicine at Evelina London children’s hospital. The Guardian
Schoolchildren across Britain may be offered sleep lessons to help tackle the problem of insomnia among young people.
The lessons became available to teachers at the end of last year and were devised by the PSHE Association and the department for sleep medicine at Evelina London children’s hospital. The Guardian
Bone surgeons the most sexist in the NHS, new poll suggests
Bone surgeons the most sexist in the NHS, new poll suggests Bone surgeons are the most sexist in the NHS, according to a confidential poll which suggests discrimination against female staff is rife.
Results of an online survey found more than half of female surgeons in the UK have experienced or witnessed workplace abuse, with those working in orthopaedics most likely to have suffered.
The specialism, concerned with treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system, has long had a reputation within medicine as physically demanding due to the nature of the operations involved. The Daily Telegraph
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Results of an online survey found more than half of female surgeons in the UK have experienced or witnessed workplace abuse, with those working in orthopaedics most likely to have suffered.
The specialism, concerned with treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system, has long had a reputation within medicine as physically demanding due to the nature of the operations involved. The Daily Telegraph
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The new £500m hospital lying empty just three miles from where Theresa May launched her NHS plan
The new £500m hospital lying empty just three miles from where Theresa May launched her NHS plan Three miles from yesterday’s NHS launch, a £500 million hospital lies empty and unused.
The 13-storey building houses top-of-the range scanners and other medical equipment – and was meant to have been finished two years ago.
However work ground to a halt last January following a botched private finance initiative deal with the now collapsed company Carillion. The Daily Mail
The 13-storey building houses top-of-the range scanners and other medical equipment – and was meant to have been finished two years ago.
However work ground to a halt last January following a botched private finance initiative deal with the now collapsed company Carillion. The Daily Mail
Expert warns the UK could face its own U.S. style opiod crisis
Expert warns the UK could face its own U.S. style opiod crisis Around eight million people in the UK live with chronic pain, where symptoms persist for longer than three months.
The problem for is that the diagnosis of chronic pain often leads to a separate set of problems entirely due to the painkilling medication they are prescribed.
This leaves thousands dependent on the drugs through no fault of their own. The Daily Mail
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The problem for is that the diagnosis of chronic pain often leads to a separate set of problems entirely due to the painkilling medication they are prescribed.
This leaves thousands dependent on the drugs through no fault of their own. The Daily Mail
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Monday, 7 January 2019
NHS Long Term Plan to tackle major killer conditions and save up to half a million lives
NHS Long Term Plan to tackle major killer conditions and save up to half a million lives The NHS Long Term Plan, published today, will save almost half a million more lives with practical action on major killer conditions and investment in world class, cutting edge treatments including genomic tests for every child with cancer.
The blueprint to make the NHS fit for the future will use the latest technology, such as digital GP consultations for all those who want them, coupled with early detection and a renewed focus on prevention to stop an estimated 85,000 premature deaths each year.
Measures outlined by NHS leaders today will help prevent 150,000 heart attacks, strokes and dementia cases while more than three million people will benefit from new and improved stroke, respiratory and cardiac services over the next decade. NHS England
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The blueprint to make the NHS fit for the future will use the latest technology, such as digital GP consultations for all those who want them, coupled with early detection and a renewed focus on prevention to stop an estimated 85,000 premature deaths each year.
Measures outlined by NHS leaders today will help prevent 150,000 heart attacks, strokes and dementia cases while more than three million people will benefit from new and improved stroke, respiratory and cardiac services over the next decade. NHS England
See also:
- NHS Long Term Plan (web site)
- PM: Launch of the NHS Long Term Plan marks an historic step to secure its future Prime Minister's Office
- NHS Long Term Plan will help problem drinkers and smokers NHS England
- NHS long term plan launch: pragmatic and ambitious, but making it a reality will be tough Health Foundation
- NHS long term plan announcement: a welcome commitment but trade-offs are inevitable Health Foundation
- The King's Fund response to the NHS long-term plan The King's Fund
- Staff shortages and prospect of no deal Brexit threaten to undermine ambitious NHS plan Nuffield Trust
- NHS 10-year plan: Non-hospital care to get biggest funding rise BBC News
- NHS 10-year plan: May hails historic announcement BBC News
- NHS 10-year plan: Labour attacks Theresa May over proposals BBC News
- NHS long-term plan: Focus on prevention 'could save 500,000 lives' BBC News
- Theresa May's 10-year blueprint for the NHS The Daily Mail
- PHILIP HAMMOND: With £20billion of extra funding, NHS leaders must also cut waste The Daily Mail
- NHS blueprint: All children with cancer will have treatment tailored to DNA The Daily Mail
- NHS to outline plan to save half a million lives over next decade The Guardian
- Mental health care to get waiting-time targets under 10-year NHS plan The Guardian
- Simon Stevens told to transform the NHS – and keep it out of the headlines The Guardian
- May gives no guarantee on NHS waiting times despite extra £20bn The Guardian
- The NHS 10-year plan: what we already know The Guardian
- NHS plan must not become unachievable 'wishlist', PM warned as government promotes health service plan The Independent
- NHS launches plans to ensure half a million more people survive killer diseases over next ten years The Independent
- NHS aims to save 500,000 more lives in next decade Sky News
- Theresa May's 10-year NHS plan is longer on promises than answers Sky News
- Theresa May says new 10-year NHS plan will stop 'slipping' targets Sky News
Families waiting too long for special needs support in England
Families waiting too long for special needs support in England Thousands of children in England with special educational needs are waiting too long for an education, health and care plan (EHC), the BBC has learned.
The EHC plans set out a child's needs and the support to which they are entitled.
Once a plan is requested, the law says councils should normally finalise them within 20 weeks.
But through Freedom of Information requests, the BBC has learned around four in 10 plans have taken longer. BBC News
The EHC plans set out a child's needs and the support to which they are entitled.
Once a plan is requested, the law says councils should normally finalise them within 20 weeks.
But through Freedom of Information requests, the BBC has learned around four in 10 plans have taken longer. BBC News
Patients wait twice as long for ambulances when they become seriously ill at the GP, investigation finds
Patients wait twice as long for ambulances when they become seriously ill at the GP, investigation finds Patients whose GP spots symptoms of serious health problems like heart attacks and sepsis are waiting twice as long for an ambulance as those who call 999 alone, an investigation has found.
After doctors revealed they have had patients “die waiting” and had critically ill newborns put at serious risk, the British Medical Association has said NHS bosses must address long waits.
While GPs can assess a patient’s condition, they only request an ambulance when there is an emergency. They are not equipped to provide emergency treatment, GP leaders said. The Independent
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After doctors revealed they have had patients “die waiting” and had critically ill newborns put at serious risk, the British Medical Association has said NHS bosses must address long waits.
While GPs can assess a patient’s condition, they only request an ambulance when there is an emergency. They are not equipped to provide emergency treatment, GP leaders said. The Independent
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MPs criticise NHS over failure to prescribe medical cannabis
MPs criticise NHS over failure to prescribe medical cannabis Family of first child prescribed medical cannabis forced to follow bureaucratic ‘assault course’
There is a “serious cultural block within the NHS around medical cannabis”, according to MPs.
The criticism comes after it emerged that the family of the first child to be prescribed medical cannabis after its legalisation must pay almost £10,000 a year to access the privately prescribed medicine as they follow a bureaucratic “assault course”. The Guardian
There is a “serious cultural block within the NHS around medical cannabis”, according to MPs.
The criticism comes after it emerged that the family of the first child to be prescribed medical cannabis after its legalisation must pay almost £10,000 a year to access the privately prescribed medicine as they follow a bureaucratic “assault course”. The Guardian
Hospital apologises for voicemail privacy breach in Manchester
Hospital apologises for voicemail privacy breach in Manchester Sensitive patient information inadvertently heard by man calling to change appointment
A hospital has apologised after sensitive voicemail messages left by patients were heard by a man trying to change an appointment over the phone.
Brian Newton reported that he heard recordings of people sharing personal information with the Manchester Royal Eye hospital on Tuesday. The Guardian
A hospital has apologised after sensitive voicemail messages left by patients were heard by a man trying to change an appointment over the phone.
Brian Newton reported that he heard recordings of people sharing personal information with the Manchester Royal Eye hospital on Tuesday. The Guardian
Patients will be quizzed on their drinking as NHS urges people to show more responsibility
Patients will be quizzed on their drinking as NHS urges people to show more responsibility Hospital patients will be quizzed on their drinking habits as the public is warned not to let their lifestyles “place extra demands” on the NHS.
A long-term plan for the NHS will see teams sent into 50 hospitals, in order to target patients whose drinking could be fuelling their problems, and offer extra help to persuade smokers to quit. The Daily Telegraph
A long-term plan for the NHS will see teams sent into 50 hospitals, in order to target patients whose drinking could be fuelling their problems, and offer extra help to persuade smokers to quit. The Daily Telegraph
Super-gonorrhoea is becoming MORE resistant to common antibiotics
Super-gonorrhoea is becoming MORE resistant to common antibiotics Super-gonorrhoea is becoming more resistant to antibiotics, sparking warnings from health officials to be more careful.
The sexually transmitted infection (STI) is becoming increasing difficult to treat, able to fight off three common drugs.
It comes amid a soar in cases - there were almost 45,000 diagnoses in England in 2017, a rise of 22 per cent in one year, figures show. The Daily Mail
The sexually transmitted infection (STI) is becoming increasing difficult to treat, able to fight off three common drugs.
It comes amid a soar in cases - there were almost 45,000 diagnoses in England in 2017, a rise of 22 per cent in one year, figures show. The Daily Mail
Friday, 4 January 2019
Investigations take place after serious mistakes at three Northamptonshire hospitals
Investigations take place after serious mistakes at three Northamptonshire hospitals Investigations are being carried out after serious mistakes were made at three Northamptonshire hospitals within the past three months. Kettering General, Woodlands and Northampton General all reported ‘never events’ in October.
Never events are classified by the NHS as serious incidents that should have not occurred and were preventable. At the private Woodlands Hospital off the A14 near Rothwell a wrong site surgery was reported in which pain relief was given to the wrong part of the body before a procedure. The NHS-run Kettering General Hospital incident involved a foreign object being retained in the patient’s body after the procedure. At Northampton General Hospital the incident involved a wrong site surgery. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Never events are classified by the NHS as serious incidents that should have not occurred and were preventable. At the private Woodlands Hospital off the A14 near Rothwell a wrong site surgery was reported in which pain relief was given to the wrong part of the body before a procedure. The NHS-run Kettering General Hospital incident involved a foreign object being retained in the patient’s body after the procedure. At Northampton General Hospital the incident involved a wrong site surgery. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Worry less about children's screen use, parents told
Worry less about children's screen use, parents told There is little evidence screen use for children is harmful in itself, guidance from leading paediatricians says.
Parents should worry less as long as they have gone through a checklist on the effect of screen time on their child, it says. While the guidance avoids setting screen time limits, it recommends not using them in the hour before bedtime. Experts say it is important that the use of devices does not replace sleep, exercising and time with family. BBC News - Health
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Parents should worry less as long as they have gone through a checklist on the effect of screen time on their child, it says. While the guidance avoids setting screen time limits, it recommends not using them in the hour before bedtime. Experts say it is important that the use of devices does not replace sleep, exercising and time with family. BBC News - Health
See Also:
- Effects of screentime on the health and well-being of children and adolescents: a systematic review of reviews BMJ Open
- Build screen time around family activities, not the other way round, parents told Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)
'Life-changing' asthma injection will be offered to patients who can't use inhalers
'Life-changing' asthma injection will be offered to patients who can't use inhalers People suffering from severe asthma are to get a ‘life-changing drug’ which has been approved for routine use on the NHS.
Around 100,000 patients whose symptoms are too bad for traditional inhalers or steroids will be eligible for treatment with benralizumab after it was given the green light by health spending watchdog NICE.
Patients’ groups welcomed the decision, saying the drug – which is administered by injection – has the potential to improve the lives of those suffering from a particularly severe form of asthma. Mail Online
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Around 100,000 patients whose symptoms are too bad for traditional inhalers or steroids will be eligible for treatment with benralizumab after it was given the green light by health spending watchdog NICE.
Patients’ groups welcomed the decision, saying the drug – which is administered by injection – has the potential to improve the lives of those suffering from a particularly severe form of asthma. Mail Online
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- Provisional thumbs up for biological asthma drug On Medica
- Benralizumab for treating severe asthma [ID1129] NICE - National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Sweeteners have 'few health benefits', study finds - NHS Website
Sweeteners have 'few health benefits', study finds - NHS Website Researchers carried out the biggest review yet of evidence looking at the effects of sweeteners on health (researchers used the term non-sugar sweeteners or NSS).
Non-sugar sweeteners include artificially-synthesized sweeteners such as saccharine and natural non-calorie sweeteners such as steviol. Non-sugar sweeteners have become more popular because of fears that sugar is feeding the obesity epidemic. NHS Website
Non-sugar sweeteners include artificially-synthesized sweeteners such as saccharine and natural non-calorie sweeteners such as steviol. Non-sugar sweeteners have become more popular because of fears that sugar is feeding the obesity epidemic. NHS Website
Is a breath test key to detecting cancer?
Is a breath test key to detecting cancer? A clinical trial has been launched to see if a breath test could detect the presence of cancer. Researchers want to find out if signals of different cancer types can be picked up in patterns of breath molecules. The Cancer Research UK team in Cambridge will collect breath samples from 1,500 people, some with cancer. BBC News - Health
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- New cancer diagnosis research 'exciting' for the future of healthcare, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
Hospitals 'coping better with winter'
Hospitals 'coping better with winter' Hospitals seem to be coping better with winter, NHS England figures suggest. Data released for the festive period showed fewer A&E closures and ambulance delays than the same period last year. Levels of flu and vomiting bug Norovirus also remain low. NHS England said the improvement was a result of good planning and hard work by staff. But senior doctors warned the picture could deteriorate in the coming week because of an impending cold snap. BBC News - Health
UK hospitals expecting 'mayhem' when cold snap hits, top doctor says
UK hospitals expecting 'mayhem' when cold snap hits, top doctor says Staffing problems and a spike in flu could mean ‘severe difficulties’ for NHS, says Dr Nick Scriven
Hospitals will be hit by “mayhem” this weekend because of the coming cold snap, a growing number of people with flu and the NHS’s staffing problems, a leading doctor has warned.
Dr Nick Scriven, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said hospitals will face “severe difficulties” this weekend as lower temperatures lead to a surge in patients needing care. The Guardian
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Hospitals will be hit by “mayhem” this weekend because of the coming cold snap, a growing number of people with flu and the NHS’s staffing problems, a leading doctor has warned.
Dr Nick Scriven, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said hospitals will face “severe difficulties” this weekend as lower temperatures lead to a surge in patients needing care. The Guardian
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Thursday, 3 January 2019
Mental health budget worth £1.9bn 'to be devolved'
Mental health budget worth £1.9bn 'to be devolved' Mental health specialised commissioning will be fully devolved to providers within the next three years, according to the chief executive of a major mental health trust. Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust chief executive John Short told HSJ he expected NHS England’s £1.9bn specialised commissioning budget would be devolved to provider collaboratives.
“I think within two-and-a-half to three years all the £1.9bn of NHS England mental health spec comm will be run by collaboratives. That ambition is Simon Stevens’ ambition”, he said. Mr Short said he sat on an NHS England advisory board set up to examine how more of this budget, which includes forensic adult mental health, inpatient child and adolescent mental health, and eating disorder services, can be shifted to groups of providers. HSJ
“I think within two-and-a-half to three years all the £1.9bn of NHS England mental health spec comm will be run by collaboratives. That ambition is Simon Stevens’ ambition”, he said. Mr Short said he sat on an NHS England advisory board set up to examine how more of this budget, which includes forensic adult mental health, inpatient child and adolescent mental health, and eating disorder services, can be shifted to groups of providers. HSJ
NHS ‘better equipped’ to deal with winter crisis after funding boost
NHS ‘better equipped’ to deal with winter crisis after funding boost The NHS in England has said it is “better equipped” to deal with the surge in demand for health services during winter thanks to a “£420m boost”. Part of the extra money has gone towards upgrading emergency departments – expanding space, creating new treatment areas and adding bed capacity at 80 hospitals across the country. Most of the improvements were put in place before Christmas, officials said. NHS England said the funding is making it easier to transfer patients from A&E to different wards and speed up their test results, helping to better manage the number of patient beds in use. Health officials said they expect the benefit from the schemes will be the equivalent of an additional 900 beds this winter. iNews
Falling immigration could destroy the NHS
Falling immigration could destroy the NHS Workforce gaps currently pose a major threat to the viability of our health services, as noted in a joint 2018 report by the King’s Fund, Nuffield Trust, and Health Foundation. One in 11 NHS clinical posts is currently unfilled, rising to one in eight nursing posts. The report estimates that, without concerted action, the current shortage of NHS staff employed by trusts in England—already around 100 000—will grow to an estimated 250 000 by 2030. The BMJ
Radiotherapy should be given at different times of day to reduce side effects, Leicester Uni study suggests
Radiotherapy should be given at different times of day to reduce side effects, Leicester Uni study suggests Radiotherapy should be given at different times of day to reduce terrible side effects according to a new study from Leicester University.
A breakthrough study by genetic scientists at the University of Leicester shows that radiotherapy toxicity - the side effects from radiotherapy - can be reduced by scheduling treatment according to the body’s circadian rhythm. They found that 24 percent of patients treated in the morning had bright red skin after radiotherapy compared to 11 percent of those treated in the afternoon. Telegraph
A breakthrough study by genetic scientists at the University of Leicester shows that radiotherapy toxicity - the side effects from radiotherapy - can be reduced by scheduling treatment according to the body’s circadian rhythm. They found that 24 percent of patients treated in the morning had bright red skin after radiotherapy compared to 11 percent of those treated in the afternoon. Telegraph
2019: handling the uncertainty
2019: handling the uncertainty An NHS long-term plan, a social care Green Paper, a prevention Green Paper. And somewhere woven in amongst all that, Brexit. Or possibly not Brexit, depending on how the politics plays out. At the same time staff in the newly aligned NHS England and NHS Improvement will be settling into post, not least in the newly restructured regions – this alignment ends well over a decade of separation, remembering that Monitor existed long before the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Of course, on a bigger scale, the whole NHS is moving from competition to co-operation despite the legislative framework. Meanwhile across the country we expect sustainability and transformation partnerships to continue the journey towards integrated care systems with an added dose of primary care networks on top. King's Fund
Government promises to improve maternity care
Government promises to improve maternity care Mothers and new babies will be offered better support as part of plans designed to make the NHS one of the best places in the world to give birth. The measures will improve safety, quality and continuity of care to halve stillbirths, maternal and infant deaths and serious brain injuries in new-born babies by 2025.
At the heart of these plans is a major redesign of neonatal services, led by an expansion in staff numbers – with more expert neonatal nurses and specialists, and new roles for allied health professionals. Gov.uk
At the heart of these plans is a major redesign of neonatal services, led by an expansion in staff numbers – with more expert neonatal nurses and specialists, and new roles for allied health professionals. Gov.uk
NHS England wants to see new year boost to numbers getting health check
NHS England wants to see new year boost to numbers getting health check Making a New Year’s resolution to take up a free NHS health check could stop people developing dementia as well as catching physical conditions, a top doctor said today. The national health check – a 20-minute, pain-free assessment carried out by a GP or nurse and involving tests on blood pressure, weight and height – is free to everyone aged 40 years old and above.
Symptoms like high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat increase the risk of having a stroke or suffering a heart attack and can be spotted as part of the routine health check. The national health check programme also picks up conditions such as kidney disease and type 2 diabetes and, since June, has included advice about preventing dementia. However, recent figures show that of the 15 million people eligible for a free NHS health check over the last five years, fewer than 50% took one. NHS England
Symptoms like high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat increase the risk of having a stroke or suffering a heart attack and can be spotted as part of the routine health check. The national health check programme also picks up conditions such as kidney disease and type 2 diabetes and, since June, has included advice about preventing dementia. However, recent figures show that of the 15 million people eligible for a free NHS health check over the last five years, fewer than 50% took one. NHS England
EU exit operational readiness guidance: actions the health and care system in England should take to prepare for a 'no deal' scenario
EU exit operational readiness guidance: actions the health and care system in England should take to prepare for a 'no deal' scenario Department of Health and Social Care - This guidance, developed and agreed with NHS England and NHS Improvement, will support the health and care system in England to be prepared for a no-deal scenario. It summarises the areas where the department is focusing no-deal exit contingency planning, and where local action is required. Further operational guidance will be provided to support the health and care system to prepare for the UK leaving the EU before 29 March 2019. King's Fund
Guidance
Department of Health and Social Care - publications
Guidance
Department of Health and Social Care - publications
Wednesday, 2 January 2019
Corby man’s charity perm raises funds for KGH
Corby man’s charity perm raises funds for KGH A Corby man took fundraising and his hair to new lengths by getting a perm for charity. Father-of-two Steve Gibson, a warehouse operative at Tata Steel in the town, decided to have the hairstyle as a fun way of raising money for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Kettering General Hospital. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Training hub for front line ambulance crews opens in Northampton
Training hub for front line ambulance crews opens in Northampton
A new hub for training emergency first aid crews has launched at a Northampton ambulance station.
Previously, the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) had one regional training centre in Nottingham where new recruits from across the county were trained.
But now, a new hub for training crews in Northamptonshire has opened at the Northampton North Ambulance Station, off Kettering Road, in a modular building by Portakabin. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A new hub for training emergency first aid crews has launched at a Northampton ambulance station.
Previously, the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) had one regional training centre in Nottingham where new recruits from across the county were trained.
But now, a new hub for training crews in Northamptonshire has opened at the Northampton North Ambulance Station, off Kettering Road, in a modular building by Portakabin. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
All aboard! Volunteers needed at NGH to take little patients to theatre on a new train buggy
All aboard! Volunteers needed at NGH to take little patients to theatre on a new train buggy
Poorly young patients at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) are in need of hard-working volunteers to steer them to the operating theatre on a new train.
The green and yellow train, complete with a working bell, was unveiled at NGH last week and will transport younger patients around the hospital. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Poorly young patients at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) are in need of hard-working volunteers to steer them to the operating theatre on a new train.
The green and yellow train, complete with a working bell, was unveiled at NGH last week and will transport younger patients around the hospital. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northamptonshire in laughing gas ‘epidemic’ says charity
Northamptonshire in laughing gas ‘epidemic’ says charity Potentially-lethal laughing gas is still being widely used by young people in Northamptonshire two years on from a law banning its sale for psychoactive purposes, a drugs charity has said. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northamptonshire County Council: Former leader resigns
Northamptonshire County Council: Former leader resigns A former leader of what was dubbed the country's "worst-run council" has resigned as a councillor.
Heather Smith quit as Northamptonshire County Council leader in March after a report recommended it be scrapped after it ran out of money.
In a resignation letter for Oundle, Ms Smith said it was time to put "horrendous events of 2018" behind her and to "move on".
It means a by-election for an authority which is due to be axed in 2020. BBC News
Heather Smith quit as Northamptonshire County Council leader in March after a report recommended it be scrapped after it ran out of money.
In a resignation letter for Oundle, Ms Smith said it was time to put "horrendous events of 2018" behind her and to "move on".
It means a by-election for an authority which is due to be axed in 2020. BBC News
NHS trusts are spending millions to replace crutches
NHS trusts are spending millions to replace crutches Official figures show more than £14million was spent on nearly 560,000 walking aids since January 2014 by 66 trusts in England. Of those trusts with relevant data, 67,491 aids were returned by patients. Mail Online
NHS staff in New Year honours
NHS staff in New Year honours Dozens of NHS staff have been recognised in the 2019 New Year honours list, including 15 nurses, numerous doctors, dentists, physiotherapists and other health professionals, and those who led the response to terror attacks and major incidents. NHS Networks
The challenges facing the NHS in 2019 - BBC News
The challenges facing the NHS in 2019 - BBC News When the NHS is preoccupied with immediate pressures, like the surge in numbers of sick patients that winter brings, it's hard to imagine how there can be time for senior managers to think beyond the next month, never mind five years or more. But they are having to.
The long-term plan for the NHS in England - due out by the end of 2018 but delayed because of the government's preoccupation with Brexit - should now be published in January.
And it could set the tone for the NHS in England for the next decade. BBC News
The long-term plan for the NHS in England - due out by the end of 2018 but delayed because of the government's preoccupation with Brexit - should now be published in January.
And it could set the tone for the NHS in England for the next decade. BBC News
Should the NHS pay for transgender fertility treatment?
Should the NHS pay for transgender fertility treatment? Changing gender can often leave people infertile but, if their eggs or sperm are frozen before treatment, it is possible for them to start their own families.
The BBC has found that about a quarter of all NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in England offer free fertility treatment to transgender patients, while the rest don't. BBC News
The BBC has found that about a quarter of all NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in England offer free fertility treatment to transgender patients, while the rest don't. BBC News
Average child has eaten 18 years of sugar by the age of 10, research finds
Average child has eaten 18 years of sugar by the age of 10, research finds British children have consumed 18 years’ worth of sugar by the time they reach the age of 10, new research shows.
Data from Public Health England shows that the average child consumes the equivalent of around eight excess sugar cubes every day. Telegraph
Data from Public Health England shows that the average child consumes the equivalent of around eight excess sugar cubes every day. Telegraph
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Soaring numbers of patients sent home from hospital at night
Soaring numbers of patients sent home from hospital at night
Vulnerable patients - many elderly - are increasingly being sent home from hospital in the middle of the night, despite repeated pledges to stop the practice.
An investigation reveals the number of patients being discharged between the hours of 11pm and 6am has risen by more than a fifth in five years. Telegraph
Vulnerable patients - many elderly - are increasingly being sent home from hospital in the middle of the night, despite repeated pledges to stop the practice.
An investigation reveals the number of patients being discharged between the hours of 11pm and 6am has risen by more than a fifth in five years. Telegraph
NHS England loses £216m a year to missed GP appointments
NHS England loses £216m a year to missed GP appointments Cost of patients not turning up and not telling surgeries could pay for 2,325 full-time GPs
More than 15m appointments at GP surgeries in England are being wasted each year because of patients failing to turn up and not telling practices in advance, costing the NHS more than £216m. The Guardian
More than 15m appointments at GP surgeries in England are being wasted each year because of patients failing to turn up and not telling practices in advance, costing the NHS more than £216m. The Guardian
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Mental health: target to boost staff numbers by 21,000 set to be missed
Mental health: target to boost staff numbers by 21,000 set to be missed NHS mental health trusts in England employed just 1,524 extra personnel in past year
Ministers are on course to miss their target of increasing the number of mental health staff by 21,000 by 2020, according to NHS workforce figures obtained by Labour.
A year after the government made the pledge, NHS mental health trusts in England had employed just 1,524 extra personnel, according to statistics collected by NHS Digital. The Guardian
Ministers are on course to miss their target of increasing the number of mental health staff by 21,000 by 2020, according to NHS workforce figures obtained by Labour.
A year after the government made the pledge, NHS mental health trusts in England had employed just 1,524 extra personnel, according to statistics collected by NHS Digital. The Guardian
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